Some 200 scientists, rock stars, Olympians and actors have banded together to urge Scottish people to vote against independence in the referendum, in just over a months' time, by signing an open letter to the Scottish people entitled Let's Stay Together.

Scientists Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins, as well as Sir Mick Jagger and Dame Judi Dench are among the signatories, who in total hold 44 Bafta awards, 18 Olympic gold medals, 2 Turner prizes and 1 Nobel prize.

"The decision on whether to leave our shared country is, of course, absolutely yours alone. Nevertheless, that decision will have a huge effect on all of us in the rest of the United Kingdom," said the letter.

"We want to let you know how very much we value our bonds of citizenship with you, and to express our hope that you will vote to renew them. What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together."

The letter was penned by television historian Dan Snow and historian Tom Holland.

Scottish people will vote in an independence referendum on 18 September, 2014, and will be asked the straight "yes/no" question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

The referendum period started on 30 May.

Recent polls have showed that Scots are still likely to vote against independence, although the gap between the Yes and No vote has been closing over the last few months.